Compare the loyalty in 1 Kings 1:8 to other biblical examples of faithful allegiance. Seeing Loyalty in 1 Kings 1:8 “ But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men stood with Solomon.” • While Adonijah gathers support to seize the throne, these six groups and individuals refuse to shift their allegiance. • Their stance is public, costly, and rooted in what they know of God’s word to David about Solomon (1 Chronicles 22:9-10). What Their Allegiance Looks Like • Willing to be in the minority. • Anchored in God’s revealed choice, not personal advantage. • Immediate—no hesitation while waiting to see who wins. • Covenant-minded: they honor the promise made to David (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Echoes of the Same Spirit • Ruth to Naomi – Ruth 1:16-17 “Where you go I will go… Your God will be my God.” – Loyalty detached from personal comfort or future prospects. • Jonathan to David – 1 Samuel 20:13-17 “May the LORD be with you as He has been with my father.” – Chooses God’s anointed friend over royal inheritance. • Caleb and Joshua to the LORD – Numbers 14:6-9 “The land… is an exceedingly good land. … do not fear the people of the land.” – Stand against ten fearful spies, confident in God’s promise. • Uriah the Hittite to Israel’s army – 2 Samuel 11:11 “The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths… how could I go to my house?” – Personal pleasure set aside for covenant duty. • The Rechabites to their forefather’s command – Jeremiah 35:6-10 “We will drink no wine, for Jonadab… commanded us.” – Generational faithfulness applauded by God. • Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego to the LORD – Daniel 3:16-18 “Our God… is able to deliver us… but even if He does not, we will not serve your gods.” – Loyalty maintained under threat of death. • Women at the cross to Jesus – John 19:25-27 – Remain present when most disciples scatter. • Timothy to Paul – Philippians 2:19-22 “Like a son with his father he has served with me in the gospel.” – Relational and doctrinal fidelity in ministry. Shared Marks Across the Examples • Rooted in revelation: each instance ties loyalty to what God has spoken or ordained. • Tested in crisis: pressure clarifies allegiance. • Costly yet rewarded: temporary loss yields eternal commendation (2 Timothy 4:7-8). • Influential: faithful minorities preserve God’s purposes for the many (Romans 11:5). Living the Lesson Today • Loyalty begins with hearts convinced of God’s Word, just as Zadok and his companions trusted the promise concerning Solomon. • Faithful allegiance often means siding with the unseen future God guarantees rather than the visible power of the moment. • The pattern runs from Genesis through Revelation, inviting every believer to stand fast, whatever the cost: “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) |
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